Horn and Cruise Control Stopped Working

[Silver X]

My truck was in an accident early this year and the airbags went off. The steering wheel controls were blown apart but replaced and have been working fine. Last week the horn quit working and then last night I found the cruise control was dead. I'm a little nervous to start poking around in the steering wheel and possibly setting off the airbag. Is there any way to deactivate the airbag or remove it safely to test the wiring in the wheel and column?

I've needed my horn several times in the past couple of days and have barely avoided several accidents because people don't pay attention to cars around them.

 

[MONMIX]

it is the clock spring I promise.

Disconnect both terminals of the battery for about ten mineuts, that will disable the air bag system.
If you want me to walk you through a clock spring replacement it is fairly easy.

You will need a steering wheel puller to perform the task.

 

[Silver X]

Thanks. Any idea how much replacement parts might be, or if they're regularly stocked at a dealership?

I do have a steering wheel puller. Since it doesn't sound too difficult, I'll try next week. After this Friday, I'm off work for the year and will have time to mess with it. I'll have to hit you up for some advice when I dig in. :biggthump

I'll finally have time to rebuild the rear diff too. Shoulda taken care of that when it was still warm. Sucks working outside in the winter.

 

[MONMIX]

You can get a new OEM clock spring for right around thirty or fourty bucks

Truth be known the shop that swapped the air bags should be responcible for this repair.

 

[timleedude]

If your insurance covered the repairs after the accident... then make sure the place that fixed your car or the insurance company fixes it for you. Sounds like its all related to a faulty repair.

-Tim

 

[Silver X]

That would be nice. Is there any time limit to fix problems that develop after repairs were made?

The accident repairs were done at a local Ford dealership. I was afraid to take it to them and have to pay the $90 diagnosis fee, then find out it isn't related to their previous work. Especially if its a cheap part that's easy to replace on my own.

I'll give them a call anyways. Thanks.

 

[BrooklynBay]

If you have the receipt, and it's not more than a month or 2, you might be able to have them repair it at their cost since they were responsible for the steering column work.

 

[Silver X]

I do have the repair invoice in my files, but it probably won't do me much good. The accident was 8 or 9 months ago.

 

[df_EB2000]

I was in an accident a few months ago and parts that were repaired as a direct result of the accident definitely carry a warranty....in all likelihood it would still be covered.

However, you are right in that if it wasn't a part of the repair or on the original list then you will get stuck with the 90 bucks. I'd probably call the insurance company and ask around a bit too, they should be able to help....after all you do pay for the service end of it..

 

[MONMIX]

our shop, as MOST shops stand by their work as long as you own the vehicle